There’s no age restriction when it comes to enjoying the companionship of a dog; from younger people to older adults, dogs can add value to every owner’s lifestyle. It might seem like strong and energetic dogs are for younger and robust owners, but there are many perks for elderly owners in living with a well-trained canine.
For one thing, dogs (if trained for this) can serve different purposes in their elderly humans’ lives. From guide dogs to companions who help their owners stay active and healthy, dogs and elderly people can form an amazing alliance.
If you have an elderly parent or a loved one who lives alone, you might have wondered if adopting a dog for them is the right move! On top of everything, can strong guard dogs really live well with older owners? Older dog owners who live alone can benefit hugely from a properly trained guard dog who can deter intruders and help them feel safer.
Here’s a review of 7 great guard dogs who can prove to be loyal companions for solo elderly owners.
Strong Guard Dog Breeds for Solo Elderly Owners
1. Doberman Pinscher
The best guard dogs for elderly owners should have a super dedicated and fearless nature, and the Doberman Pinscher has a surplus of these traits. Originally bred as a personal protection dog for a German tax collector, the Doberman Pinscher can make a wonderful, protective partner for an older pet parent.
If you’re in your 50s and above and live alone, you have probably wondered about adopting a loyal dog with protective instincts. If you have some experience with dog ownership, Dobies are a good fit for you. These energetic dogs are also very smart and learn cues and commands with ease, which makes them ideal doggos for a household that needs both companionship and protection.
Dobies need regular exercise daily, which is a plus point if you want to stay active as you age. These gorgeous and sleek dogs have an intimidating presence that’s bound to keep off intruders, like thieves and burglars.
Don’t want a dog with extensive grooming needs? Good news is, Dobies have a wash-and-wear short coat, as per the AKC, that needs only quick brushing and occasional bathing.
2. German Shepherd
German Shepherds are confident and elegant, large dogs with an equally big heart and unwavering loyalty to their owner. These highly trainable doggos have worked closely with humans as a herding breed, and can make excellent guard dogs for solo elderly owners.
German Shepherds are one of the most common choices of dogs for military, police, and search and rescue work. No wonder they’re preferred for all these roles; their intelligence, trainability, and commanding presence make them wonderful service dogs.
When it comes to thriving with older owners who live solo, a well-trained German Shepherd has many perks. They’re not just super alert in nature, they also possess an affectionate nature for humans they’ve bonded with.
While friendly with their humans, German Shepherds can be wary of strangers. They do get along well with children if they’ve been given early socialization training, as per PetMD, so you can count on them to be nice-tempered around your grandkids and even other pets.
Word of caution: German Shepherds require an experienced owner who can give them daily, vigorous exercise, and these dogs also shed a lot, so be mindful if you’ve got allergies.
3. Boxer
The Boxer is a breed that was originally used for “big game hunting”, with its history that can be traced back from Germany to ancient Assyria, as per Britannica. If your elderly parent or loved one can stay active with their pet, a Boxer might be the right guard dog for them.
Living alone as you age can become tough emotionally at times. A doggo with a bright temperament and a protective nature can make the experience full of joy. Boxers are one of the best dog breeds for solo older adults energetic enough to handle spunky and playful dogs.
This sturdy dog got its name from its tendency to form its front paws in a “boxing” way when it’s fighting. Boxers are brave and formidable when it comes to guarding, but these charming dogs also adapt well to family life and make loving companions to solo owners.
Boxers have short coats that need minimal grooming, which is good news for older owners who might not be up for long combing sessions.
4. Giant Schnauzer
Giant Schnauzers are incredibly loyal big dogs that have worked as farm and property guardians due to their alert and fearless nature. These hard-working dogs are a great breed for elderly owners who live alone and need some extra sense of safety.
The Giant Schnauzer is the larger version of the Standard Schnauzer, yet it has the same perky ears and fascinating facial hair. These dogs need proper socialization, regular physical activity, and mental stimulation to stay healthy and happy. If you can offer all these, you’ll have yourself a perfect companion for everyday activity indoors as well as outdoors, if you’re into long walks.
This territorial doggo gets attached to its humans and will protect them at any cost. For elderly people who live on their own, a Giant Schnauzer isn’t just a protection dog; it’s an extremely loyal companion that loves being by their side.
These pups have a wiry double coat that needs regular brushing and occasional visits to a professional groomer to stay in good condition.
5. Great Dane
If you live alone but your home is more spacious than what you need, it might be a sign for you to adopt a large dog, like the Great Dane. These doggos look imposing, but they’re reliable and friendly if given early and proper training.
Originally developed around 400 years ago in Germany, these dogs have a history of hunting big game such as the wild boar. As pets, they can thrive in a healthy environment where they also have enough space to live comfortably.
Despite their gentleness with children and other dogs, Great Danes can prove to be the most capable guard dogs for solo older owners. They’re eager to please when it comes to their pet parents and have moderate exercise needs, which makes them a good fit for owners who can’t engage in vigorous activity.
Don’t assume they don’t enjoy activity, though; if you are into outdoor adventures like hiking, Great Danes can be your wonderful partners. They need human interaction and attention, and will enjoy spending time with you inside or outside your home.
6. Great Pyrenees
The Great Pyrenees is an ancient white dog breed who are believed to have been brought to the Pyrenees Mountains around 1800 to 100 B.C. As livestock guardians, these dogs have helped the Basque people and were later chosen by aristocrats as companions.
Great Pyrenees are loving dogs with a calm demeanor that allows them to be great pets for elderly owners who live alone. Pyrs are highly intelligent doggos who are often employed in rescue and therapy work. They love their human families and have a sharp instinct to protect, which makes them good guard dogs if they’re trained for this purpose.
Due to their history of being independent livestock guardian dogs, Pyrs can pose some challenges in obedience training, as per Hill’s Pet. Consistent training can turn them into more cooperative doggos, as well as tone them down a bit, as they tend to bark at night.
Their dense double coat requires regular grooming, including once or twice a week brushing and occasional bathing.
7. Rhodesian Ridgeback
Rhodesian Ridgebacks are athletic and dedicated dogs that are a great blend of protectiveness and a loving nature. Despite their wariness of strangers, Ridgebacks aren’t excessive barkers, which is another trait that makes them well-suited for life with an elderly owner.
Rhodesian Ridgebacks are dogs of African origin, with a distinct “ridge” of hair growing along their spine. They were originally used for purposes like hunting large game and even as guard dogs. If you’re looking for an excellent watchdog for your elderly relative or parent who can also form a strong bond with them, the Rhodesian Ridgeback is a great option.
Ridgebacks should be paired with elderly owners who want to keep off the joint pain by staying active and can give them enough exercise to stay in good spirits. From short walks to hikes and jogging sessions, Rhodesians will inspire their owner to stay active and healthy.
Rhodesians need to be given early obedience training due to their hunting background; they can be aggressive towards other pets if not well-trained.
Conclusion
These remarkable guard dog breeds can make your elderly parent or relative’s life full of joy, security, and vigor. Make sure the owner can provide the dog with the activity level it needs; the pup might become bored and cranky.
First-time owners should be careful when adopting a guard dog and should start with a more manageable breed.
